DMK MP calls for 60% reduction in Paranur toll fees

04 Nov 2024 CW Team

DMK MP P Wilson has raised concerns over "excessive toll fees" at the Paranur toll plaza near Chennai, accusing the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) of collecting over Rs 285 million above the project's original investment. Wilson called for a 60% reduction in toll fees at Paranur and other toll plazas across Tamil Nadu, citing the 2008 National Highways Fee Rules, which mandate reduced toll rates once project costs are recovered.

In a post on X, Wilson condemned the continued collection of full toll charges as "unacceptable, outrageous, and unjust," warning that unchecked toll collections could lead to "unjust exploitation and looting."

NHAI currently operates 64 toll plazas across Tamil Nadu. Wilson questioned the deposit of excess funds into the Consolidated Fund of India for further highway projects, arguing that without independent audits, these funds benefit contractors at the expense of the public. He also criticized Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) officials for allegedly misinterpreting the 1997 National Highways Fee Rules, which stipulate an 80-kilometer minimum distance between toll plazas, a requirement Wilson claims is being ignored.

This appeal follows similar demands by DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, who recently urged a halt to toll collection on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH 48), citing poor road conditions and incomplete construction at Sriperumbudur toll plaza. (ET)

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..